Bracket Projection: Notre Dame

The Irish need to ride their efficient offense to avoid an early exit

AP Photo/Joe RaymondJerian Grant -- along with Eric Atkins -- helped form one of the Big East's top backcourts.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish feature an accomplished big man and a highly efficient offense. Will a St. Patrick's Selection Sunday bring the Irish the luck they need to exorcise their recent NCAA tournament demons?

ESPN Insider has your answers, as Joe Lunardi has enlisted a team of Bracketologists to compile advanced metrics, key scouting intel and best- and worst-case tournament scenarios for all 68 teams, in order to help you make smart picks in your bracket. Plus, as Lunardi fills out his bracket, he'll give you his prediction on how each team will fare.

Lunardi's Logic

The Irish are another dangerous team in the wide open West Region. I could see them losing to Iowa State or winning multiple games. Let's split the difference and put Notre Dame into the third round against Ohio State.Take your pick in that one, although playing in Dayton gives the Buckeyes a significant advantage. But it's another great year for Mike Brey in South Bend.

TOURNEY PROFILE

Best wins: Louisville (5 OT), at Pittsburgh, at Cincinnati

Worst losses: St. Joseph's, at St. John's, at Providence

To read the complete tournament guide preview for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and to gain access to all of ESPN Insider's NCAA tournament coverage, sign up today.